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Sudha Mahalingam, 68, has travelled to 65 countries over six passports

Chennai-based former author, and journalist, Sudha Mahalingam, 68, is giving some major #travelgoals to all around her. She is pursuing her dream of travelling the world, and has covered over 65 countries, and counting and has six passports. Not one for leisurely travel, the adventure and backpacking enthusiast has chronicled her journey in a memoir titled, The Travel Gods Must Be Crazy, and has covered everything ranging from enchanting islands to mystique mountains.

Mahalingam started her solo travel streak in her mid-40s, while working as an energy sector analyst for the Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis. She had travelled before, but later she realised that she wanted to explore a country better and as a solo traveller. She says it has led her to feel more empowered and wants to explore the potential to help other women feel the same way.

“All your life, you are told what’s best for you, the things you can and cannot do, how certain places are safe and others are not. Travelling helps to put these preconceived notions and stereotypes to the test. It helps you not only discover yourself but also develop confidence and identify your strengths. It teaches you to draw upon your reserves and tackle crises too,” she told a portal.

In fact, Mahaligam doesn’t want to ever think that she will not have options for food anywhere, which is exactly why according to reports, she refrains from the Indian habit of packing food, tea or coffee in favour of experiencing the local fare. A memorable journey for Mahalingam has been the 32-day trek to Kailash Mansarovar she embarked upon in 1996, especially because she had to leave her five-year-old son back at home. “It taught me a lot about myself, especially my hardiness. It helped me learn that I could do things alone,” she said.

On an average, Mahalingam go on five to six trips a year and she will soon be off to Madagascar in September and Patagonia in December.